The Sixth Commandment

We are continuing to look at the Ten Commandments and today we examine number 6: "You shall not kill." (RSV) Now you are probably thinking that you have no problem with this one, but when we study the meaning it might prove a bit problematic. This commandment would have been at the top of the second tablet and corresponds to the first commandment, having faith in God. A person who truly believes in God as the Creator of human life would not murder. It is not a coincidence that the world's loss of faith has led to an increasing devaluing of human life. One needs only to consider the loss of approximately 3300 babies each day because of abortion to see this truth.

Hebrew sages described behaviors that were tantamount to murder although one would not be subject to the death penalty: causing significant embarrassment, failing to provide food and safety for travelers, causing someone to lose his livelihood, ruling on how to live by the Scriptures when one was not qualified, and refusing to rule when ones wisdom is needed. This shows how broad this commandment really is. How do you feel about it now? We can see that God intended to cover a much broader range than just the termination of life. Remember the words of Jesus: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Matthew 5:21-22

Today, don't be too quick to pass over this commandment. There are many ways to "kill" without causing physical harm. Consider your words and how you speak of others. God considers this very serious business and so should you.